From ScreenRant · Hannah Diffey · · 3m
Crunchyroll Store Restricts Access to Premium Subscribers
Crunchyroll's anime store now requires Mega Fan or Ultimate Fan subscriptions, frustrating longtime collectors.
In brief
Crunchyroll's anime store now requires Mega Fan or Ultimate Fan subscriptions, frustrating longtime collectors. Crunchyroll restricted its online store to premium subscribers after acquiring Right Stuf in 2022, causing backlash from fans who value physical merchandise access. Originally reported by ScreenRant.
Crunchyroll Store Restricts Access
Crunchyroll has restricted its online store to Mega Fan and Ultimate Fan subscribers since August 2026, shutting out free users and basic Fan tier customers.
Backlash from Anime Fans
Anime fans have criticized Crunchyroll for requiring premium subscriptions to purchase physical merchandise, questioning why buying products should demand a recurring membership.
Right Stuf Acquisition in 2022
Crunchyroll acquired Right Stuf in 2022, which had been a reliable online retailer for anime and manga for decades before being absorbed into Crunchyroll's business.
Frustrations with Product Availability
Longtime collectors report missing manga selections, lost membership discounts, and difficulties managing preorders after the store redesign.
Exclusive Merchandise Concerns
Fans question whether exclusive merchandise justifies maintaining a paid subscription when the store no longer offers the selection or experience they previously valued.
Summer Sale and Final Sale Rules
Crunchyroll held a Summer Sale beginning July 14, 2. Effective July 13 at 11:59 p.m. PT, designated items become final sale with limited return options.
Timing of Restriction Announcement
The restriction announcement follows Crunchyroll's acquisition of Right Stuf in 2022, which fans argue has worsened product availability and pricing issues.
Crunchyroll's Response to Complaints
Crunchyroll states existing orders will continue shipping, customers will retain account history, and gift cards remain usable through August 14, 2026.
Fan Reaction to Membership Restriction
Many collectors question whether exclusive merchandise should require an ongoing streaming subscription to Crunchyroll, feeling the store has become less useful.
Right Stuf's History
Right Stuf, founded in 1987, spent decades building a reputation as one of the largest online destinations for anime Blu-rays, manga, figures, and collectibles.
Crunchyroll's Store Restriction Impact
The change has intensified complaints about product availability, pricing, and lost features that collectors valued after Right Stuf was absorbed into Crunchyroll.
Crunchyroll's Store Restriction Timeline
Crunchyroll revealed the changes on July 14, 2026, confirming the new store would launch in August 2026 with a focus on convention-style shopping for fans.
Fan Concerns About Membership
Fans argue that the store redesign has made it less useful, as exclusive merchandise means little without access to the products and conveniences that made it valuable before.
What Happens Next
Crunchyroll's store restrictions may lead to increased backlash as fans question the value of premium subscriptions for physical merchandise access.
The one thing
Crunchyroll restricted its online store to premium subscribers after acquiring Right Stuf in 2022, causing backlash from fans who value physical merchandise access.
